Manhattan Country School (MCS) is a progressive PreK-eighth grade, independent, co-ed school located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that features a 160-acre working Farm in the Catskills, 150 miles northeast of NYC in Roxbury, NY.
Founded in 1966, MCS has an academic program grounded in racial and economic diversity, social justice, activism, and sustainability education. Committed to the principles of equity and multiculturalism, MCS is an authentic and intentionally diverse community that is unique among New York City independent schools. Our educational philosophy relies on a deep knowledge of child development that can be applied to effective pedagogies of inquiry and learning.
Through multiple trips to the Farm each year, beginning in second grade, MCS students learn invaluable lessons about community and interdependence, nature and the natural sciences, and the regenerative use of our resources, with special emphasis on food, energy, fiber arts, and climate.
The Farm Director leads the Farm-based Education program and farming operations, combining a passion for farming, nature, and developing a long-term relationship with the land with a love for teaching, learning, and working with children. In keeping with MCS’s values, we are seeking a Farm Director who appreciates and supports a community where diverse perspectives are valued, who enjoys the excitement and curiosity of children, and who is committed to the life-long impact of working together for social and environmental justice.
Role and Responsibilities
Upholds the values and the mission of MCS
Serves as a key member of the Leadership Team to innovate and implement shared curricular priorities, support admissions and enrollment, collaborate on marketing and communications, and be a key member of the fundraising team
Leads the Farm staff and curricular program, balancing tradition with innovation and new opportunities
Takes an active leadership role in the newly planned Reimagining STEAM project, centering the Farm as a unique resource for experiential learning, problem solving, and systems thinking
Works with the Farm teachers, Lower and Upper School Directors, and Curriculum Coordinator to ensure students make rich connections between lessons learned in the classroom and lessons, experiences, and applied knowledge at the Farm; manages student assessment
Works closely with the MCS finance office to create, implement, and track the annual operating budget
While living near the Farm, the director maintains an ongoing presence at MCS’s NYC campus, working with staff, attending key events, and developing relationships with students, current families, and alumni
Manages current Farm partner schools and works with 85th Street to promote new partner schools
Leads the Farm Summer Camp Program
Advocates for the Farm with the surrounding community, building generative and collaborative relationships
Participates in the professional development network centered on farm-based, place-based, sustainability, and progressive education
Works with Farm staff to manage the ongoing internship program
Manages Farm personnel, including hiring and evaluating about eight locally-based, full, and part-time staff
Supervises Farm operations to include facilities and regulatory compliance
Ensures a safe, positive community environment at the Farm for students and staff. Prioritizes equity, social justice, and anti-racism
Additional duties as needed to run the Farm program and as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
Ability to teach and work on a farm
A minimum five years experience farming and/or teaching farm-based education to second through eighth grade students
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree; Degree in Education or Sustainability/Environmental Science a plus
Experience in diverse communities and/or training in practices to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Experience with STEAM-based education is a plus
Knowledge of sustainable and regenerative farming practices
Proven administrative capabilities to include competencies in budget creation and management, technology competencies to include Google Workspace and managing databases
Proven ability to set priorities and to follow-through with timely implementation
Excellent verbal and writing skills
Committed work ethic
To Apply: Send a cover letter (no application will be considered without a cover letter) and resume describing your interest in and qualifications for the position to
HR@manhattancountryschool.org with “Farm Director” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. For more information, please go to the MCS website at
www.manhattancountryschool.org. We will begin reviewing applications starting on April 25.
This position has a salary range of $85,000-$110,000.
Manhattan Country School is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. MCS does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, veteran, or disability status.
